Inpatient Bipolar Treatment Centers

Having a mood disorder can be disorienting, disquieting, frustrating and sad. When you or a loved one doesn’t know which version of the person you know you’ll find each morning, life can quickly get frightening and unmanageable … especially when the depressive phase hits. Bipolar disorder, one of the most common mood disorders, turns the world into a roller-coaster of emotion that can burn you out, make holding down a job and caring for your family more difficult, and make you more susceptible to substance abuse.

As such, it’s critically important that you understand this disease, remove the element of fault or weakness, and get help for yourself or your loved one as soon as possible. We’ll cover what bipolar disorder is, common symptoms and how to go about finding help. It’s time you got your life back, and we’re here to help.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is also called manic depression. The name reflects the major characteristic of the disease, which is having two extreme behavior patterns that alternate, seemingly randomly. Mania is a feeling of extreme energy, often accompanied by positivity and productivity, but frequently also with impulsivity and poor choices.

The depressive phase exhibits classic low-spirited symptoms, with the sufferer having difficulty fulfilling day-to-day tasks due to reduced energy, inability to cope with basic problems or challenges, and experiencing sadness unrelated or out of proportion to their life experiences. There are multiple types of bipolar disorder, with the manic and depressive episodes lasting longer or shorter periods of time and being characterized by gentler or more severe symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is sometimes difficult to recognize because the symptoms are so opposite, which can be confusing. However, the two phases are marked by fairly distinct sets of symptoms. Mania is characterized by:

Feelings of being “up” or “high”

Considerable energy, activity and productivity

Feelings of jumpiness

Insomnia

Fast talking and trouble with attention

Agitation and irritability

Multitasking

Risky behavior, such as spending money or promiscuity

Depression, on the other hand, can be recognized through the following symptoms:

Hopelessness, melancholy or despair

Low energy levels

Decreased activity

Trouble sleeping or oversleeping

An inability to enjoy activities that usually bring happiness

Worry that seems unrelated to the facts of life

Constant fatigue

Changes in eating behavior

Preoccupation with death or suicidal ideation

It’s important to realize that these episodes do not flip from one to the next. There is often a middle ground where the sufferer feels relatively normal. To muddy the waters further, some episodes contain symptoms from both mania and depression. These episodes may cause feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while simultaneously producing lots of energy. No matter how you or your loved one experiences bipolar, however, it’s time to put an end to the madness and get help.

Diagnosis and Treatment

In order to get help, you first need a proper diagnosis. Especially if addiction is involved, it’s important to get the help of a specialist to rule out other medical conditions ensure the recommended treatment plan will be effective. Find a local counselor and determine if you are, in fact, suffering from bipolar. With this in mind, reach out to recovery centers and let them know that you are suffering both addiction and bipolar.